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Desert Ridge Junior High’s Christina Castle Earns Middle Years Hero of the Year Award

Hailey Borden
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Christina Castle, a Media Specialist at Desert Ridge Junior High School, has been named a 2025 Arizona Middle Grades Hero of the Year by the Arizona Association for Middle Level Education (AzAMLE). Castle’s dedication to her students and fellow staff at Desert Ridge Junior High earned her this highly-regarded honor.

The AzAMLE Middle Grades Hero of the Year award recognizes educators who embody key values in middle-level education. AzAMLE seeks to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in supporting their school, staff, and students. More specifically, the award celebrates individuals who have essential attributes, including being responsive, challenging, empowering, equitable, and engaging for their students. The award also considers 18 different characteristics that showcase the candidate's impact on school culture and community, curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and leadership and organization.

"Christina has her finger on the pulse of Desert Ridge Junior High,” said Eric Cruz, Principal of Desert Ridge Junior High. “Her passion and dedication to our students and staff make our school a better place for everyone. She is truly a hero in our community."

Desert Ridge Junior's Christina Castle poses on campus at DRJHS.

Christina Castle earned the Middle Years Hero of the Year award after being nominated by her school administration, with supporting letters from colleagues, parents, and former students. As a Media Specialist, Christina is a resource for the entire school community, assisting with everything from library operations and technology support to lamination, copying, and helping with student testing. She also organizes library games and provides support for the school’s AVID program.

"I just want to say a big thank you for the award—I'm truly honored! But honestly, I couldn't have done it without the awesome team at Desert Ridge Junior High. You all make coming to work every day something I look forward to, and to our amazing students—your hard work and energy are what make this job so rewarding," added Christina Castle.

Ms. Castle will be honored at the Middle Years Summit at Arizona State University on September 20, 2025. Desert Ridge Junior High School plans to hold a special ceremony at a later date to celebrate her accomplishment with the entire school community. To learn more about Desert Ridge Junior High, visit DesertRidgeJunior.GilbertSchools.net.